Putting the ‘sing’ in Downtown Crossing

PUBLISHED by Boston Metro

“American Idol” auditions in Boston are over, but rock star hopefuls will sing this Friday at Downtown Crossing.





Ten finalists compete for a shot at fame and $80,000 at the Massachusetts Competition of the 2009 World Karaoke Championship on Friday in Downtown Crossing. The winner will go on to compete in Europe for the cash prize.

Bradford McKeown, 30, says he based his song selections on his range rather than his usual standards. That will be him you’ll hear performing “Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister and “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.

He says he normally starts with a ballad “because they will be impressed I’m doing a good job, but I would pick something a little more rock ’n’ roll later in the night.”

Casey Rae, 25, is an amateur singer who says she’s excited to perform in the same spot she remembers watching a young *NSYNC.

Rae auditioned for “American Idol” recently and though she didn’t pass the first round, “Idol” sparked her interest in competing.

“I feel like ‘American Idol’ is more like a reality show and they are looking for characters,” Rae says.

But “Idol” didn’t only turn away newbies. Liz Lohnes, 19, attends Berklee College of Music and frequently sings the national anthem at Celtics games, yet she didn’t make it past the judges, either.

“This is a lot less people. There’s a bigger chance that I’d be able to make it,” she says. “‘American Idol’ is probably one out of a million.” katrina ballard/metro

Massachusetts Competition of the 2009 World Karaoke Championship
Friday, noon, Downtown Crossing in front of Macy's
450 Washington St.
MBTA: Red/Orange Line to Downtown Crossing
Free
www.limelightboston.com